Professor R. Dean Wright Remembrance, His Legacy

Iowa Bystander
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2009 Carl T. Rowan Pinnacle Award Winner
An Opportunity Extended To Rep. Wayne Ford Iowa Department of Human Rights Meeting
Throughout the West Side Boxing Club controversy Rep. Wayne Ford has stayed
silent. Even amidst speculations about why the club was being closed and throughout the villification of The United Way of Central Iowa he remained silent.
Iowa Bystander went to the United Way and asked the tough questions the
community was demanding answered. Then Shannon Cofield of the United Way
dropped a bomb. Rep. Ford wanted the Boxing Club’s money for Urban Dreams.
Iowa Bystander has provided, and continues to provide, Rep. Ford an opportunity to respond to Ms. Cofield’s damning accusations. Next week we will comment!
The Iowa Department of Human Rights will meet Thursday and Friday,
July 30-31, 2009, 8:30 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. in the Iowa Department of Public
Safety Conference Room, 215 E. 7th Street, Des Moines, Iowa.
The DHR will be holding a Strategy Planning Retreat to review and
develop action plans through goals and measures as determined by their
mission and vision to serve all Iowa constituents.
This work retreat is open to the public and the meeting site is accessible
for people with mobility limitations.
Fear God, Tell the Truth & Make Money • The Oldest Black Publication West of the Mississippi • Vol. 119 No. 30 • July 29, 2009
Professor R. Dean Wright
Remembrance, His Legacy
By Allen Spencer
Vice President Projects & Programs Spectrum Resources
I remember vividly an interview that Dean did with the Des
Moines Register in (1994) in which he was speaking of the
devastation of homelessness. His quote “A lot of people believe
that homelessness is a natural condition, I believe it’s an
unnatural condition, one that we have imposed upon people.”
That statement and so much more was the essence of the man
often quoted in newspapers and magazines the world over, not
just because of his Sociology and Criminology background in
which he was an expert in, but because that’s who he was, a man
of deep convictions and unlimited passion for his fellowman.
The epitome of the true meaning of what it means to be a
humanitarian. There isn’t a day in my life that there isn’t
something I learned from him that I don’t use in my interaction
with others.
I left prison for the last time on June 6, 1989 after spending
almost thirteen years of my existence during life on the installment plan in various prisons around this country. I was a
recipient of the services of the Department of Corrections that
I diligently work with today to formulate re-entry services for
ex-offenders transitioning back into their communities as selfsufficient productive members. During my last incarceration I
had reached a point in my life where I truly wanted to change
my life. Part of the process of change for me was thinking and
writing short and long-term goals for myself. My life in prison
the last time had been used for being involved in self growth and
assisting others in the capacity of accepting our responsibility
for where we had found ourselves and begin doing what we
needed to do to change. I had envisioned opening a Recovery
House as one of my goals to assist individuals like I deal with
their substance abuse addictions in an environment conducive
to change. While on the prison yard making a phone call home
Dean Wright: Continued on page 6
The Out-Of-Towners:
Featuring Mr. John Francis Cheatem
Mr. John Francis Cheatem, son of John R. and Shann L. Cheatem,
born in Terre Haute, Indiana, is in the process of laying the foundation
for a career in the Christian music industry. John attended Gospel
Assembly Christian Academy in Urbandale, Iowa. In 2007 he won
Iowa Idol. He is a gifted and talented performer whose fan base has
expanded so much so that his first solo concert, held on June 5, 2009,
was sold out.
Mr. Cheatem, who is in the process of working on his debut CD “In
Your Will,” continues to be in high demand across the Midwest. His
ultimate goal is to have a successful music career as a solo contemporary/gospel artist, thereby spreading Jesus’ message to anyone that
has a hearing ear and a willing heart.
If you are interested in seeing just how talented he is, he has several
videos posted on the internet and may be accessed from http://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNAa-y0bRJM&feature=related.
Mr. John Cheatem, currently resides in West Des Moines, Iowa.
He is single, currently employed by Wells Fargo Bank as a Short Sales
Negotiator, and is the Praise & Worship leader at Lutheran Church of
Hope in West Des Moines.
Moore Enters Council Race
Skip Moore officially announced his intention to seek
the At-Large seat for the Des
Moines City Council on Thursday, July16th, 2009.
Skip Moore is 55 years old
and was born in Iowa Falls, Iowa.
He has lived in Des Moines for
46 years. He graduated from East
High School and has been employed for 34 years with the
City of Des Moines as the municipal arborist. Mr. Moore has
been involved in the Des Moines
neighborhood movement since
1987.
Moore, Des Moines Neighbors’ 2009 City Employee of
the Year for 2009 has three top
priorities:
City Finances
With the current state of the
economy and a projected budget
deficit for 2011 of $5 million
plus for the city of Des Moines, coupled
with the possibility of a $50 million
dollar franchise fee refund, I realize that
we are headed for a potential crisis like
we have never seen before.
I am prepared to do the financial belt
tightening that will be necessary to see
the city of Des Moines through this
crisis. I understand that there are basic
services that must be provided to our
citizens and those services must remain
intact. Police, fire and public works
must maintain a level of service that
guarantees the security, safety, health
and welfare of Des Moines citizens,
businesses and our guests.
Des Moines should take a cue from
its citizens and stop spending money on
unnecessary projects. The city should
be saving money and should begin spending as they go instead of mortgaging its
future and raising the cost of projects.
Neighborhoods
We have become a city of vibrant
neighborhoods with a very diverse population. This has made Des Moines a
citizen’s participation city with the
neighborhoods being a partner with the
City of Des Moines and all boards and
commissions.
I have personally seen how the city
council has, for the most part, turned a
deaf ear to the neighborhoods. It is
rather disturbing to see large numbers of
citizens that are representing their respective neighborhoods appear before
the city council with a unified voice and
yet, the council votes against them with
little or no explanation.
Moore: Continued on page 10
sss
If you have an “Out-Of-Towners submission email it to
[email protected] or [email protected]. And
remember “it’s a sad dog, won’t wag it’s own tail!”
How Quickly Society Forgets Their Heroes: In the next issue of Iowa Bystander
July 29, 2009
Iowa Bystander • Page 2
Are We Mentally Lazy?
A few days ago I engaged in a real strong conversation— a debate —about the
difference in the success we have as a race (black) than other races . The topic
surrounded the business and entrepreneurial success or lack there of for us. Thats
when the question came forth “are we mentally lazy?”
In some circles we have been talked about and port raid as lazy do nothings,
but thats all been proven false. We aren’t physically lazy, but is there a problem
when it comes to doing the research, or filling out paper work that maybe required
for progress in business?
Being a laborer is an honorable occupation it can pay the bills. But why not
the engineer, the architect , or even the carpenter? Skill trades have the greatest
upside to becoming an economy with in yourself. That must be accomplished by
doing the brain work that requires days and nights of study, hours upon hours of
writing, and then the same in waiting for responses to proposals. This work is
required when we apply for funds to help with business, or applying for insurance—the right kind of coverage.
In the book of Proverbs the key word is Wisdom “ the ability to live a skillful life,” King Solomon the son of David says
Proverbs 1:2 , To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding. In 13:4 The soul of a lazy man desires
and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.
King Solomon is reported to be the richest and wisest man to ever live, and the two main words he uses are wisdom and
diligent. We must be diligent in the search for wisdom!!!
In my agency Spectrum Resources we have a mantra called C.Q.I. (continued quality improvement) we want to always
pursue knowledge, and quality knowledge.
I had a young man talk to me about his dream of starting his own business, but in the conversation he had the chance to
apply for some funds , and to my surprise he said that he did not want to go after the money because it was to much paperwork
to fill out! We have to start filling out the paperwork in bunches to make a difference in the number of financial awards that
black folk get, we have to make the difference.
Call the SBA, call the IDED and get the applications do the work and start building your success now...
Change happened....Change continues....Moving Toward change.....JB
Iowa Civil Rights Commission To Conduct Survey And
Public Forums On Status Of Fair Housing In Iowa And
To Learn How Best To Address Areas Of Concern
The Iowa Civil Rights Commission is currently working
to determine the most pressing obstacles or impediments to
fair housing in Iowa and the most effective ways of
addressing these challenges. Fair housing means all persons have equal opportunity to be considered for rental
units, purchase of property, housing loans, property insurance, or other housing services without regard for race,
color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion,
national origin, mental disability, physical disability, and
familial status (presence of children).
The Iowa Civil Rights Commission will be conducting
an online survey and holding public forums in several
communities around the state that are not entitlement
communities receiving CDBG or HOME program fund-
ing. The online survey can be accessed via the link on the
Iowa Civil Rights Commission’s website: www.state.ia.us/
government/crc
This short survey for Iowa residents will be available
through August 31, 2009 and should only take about five
minutes.
The results of the survey will be tabulated and placed on
the Iowa Civil Rights Commission website, along with the
full report of the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing
in Iowa. The Commission has been contracted by the Iowa
Department of Economic Development to meet this federal requirement to determine the status of fair housing and
to recommend ways to address any identified areas of
concern.
The Bridgestone Firestone Agricultural Tire Plant in Des Moines, Iowa is one of the
largest manufacturing corporations in Iowa. We employ over 1,500 teammates and
offer excellent career opportunities. Bridgestone Firestone offers a competitive
benefits package, development opportunities, tuition reimbursement program, and
leadership and technical training.
If you are interested in applying for a position with Bridgestone Firestone, you can
apply several different ways:
• On line at www.firestoneag.com
• Faxing your resume to: 515-235-4079
• By contacting your local Iowa Workforce Development Office
• Send a copy of your resume to:
Firestone Agricultural Tire
ATTN: Salary Human Resources
4600 N.W. 2nd Ave
Des Moines, Ia. 50306
Note: If you are sending your resume by fax or by mail, please include the position
for which you are applying. Positions are listed online and at the Iowa Workforce
Development offices.
“Bridgestone Americas Holding is
and Equal Opportunity Employer.”
Bridgestone Firestone is a Drug Free
Workplace and requires a preemployment drug screen, physical,
and background check.
The Leader In The Field
Iowa Civil Rights Commission
Working Toward A State Free of Discrimination
Enforcement of Civil Rights Laws
Education and Training for Groups,
Individuals and Organizations
Raising the Profile of Civil Rights and Diversity
For more information, or questions, or
concerns, please contact us at:
400 E. 14th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
515-281-4121 or 1-800-457-4416
www.state.ia.us/government/crc
July 29, 2009
Page 3 • Iowa Bystander
“We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must
have the courage to change old ideas and practices so
that we may direct their power toward good ends.”
-- Mary McLeod Bethune
Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation recently presented a check for $75,000 to the Des Moines Area
Community College (DMACC) Foundation to help fund equipment for the Dental Hygiene and Dental
Assistant Programs at the college. Pictured left to right, Donn Hutchins, CEO and President of Delta
Dental of Iowa; Ganesh Ganpat, Executive Director, DMACC Foundation; Deborah Penney, DMACC
Dental Hygiene Professor; Sally Schroeder, DMACC Dean of Health and Public Services; Jeff Plagge,
Board Chair, Delta Dental of Iowa; Ed Schooley, DDS, Dental Director of Delta Dental; John Kearns,
DDS, Board Member, Delta Dental of Iowa and Suzanne Heckenlaible, Director of Community and
Government Relations, Delta Dental of Iowa.
Delta Dental Of Iowa Makes Major Donation
To DMACC Dental Hygienist Program
Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation has announced
a $75,000 award and a $50,000 challenge grant to
Des Moines Area Community College’s Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting Programs.
“This is the first grant of any kind for our Dental
Hygiene and Dental Assisting Programs,” said Sally
Schroeder, dean of DMACC’s Health and Public
Services Program. “Our students are thrilled with the
news. We are also grateful to Delta Dental of Iowa
Foundation for the foresight and commitment to our
dental program. All of Central Iowa will benefit.”
The funds will be used to renovate DMACC’s
Dental Clinic where students, with faculty oversight,
see patients from the general public. New equipment
will also be purchased.
“This remodel will make the DMACC Dental
Clinic one of the best student facilities in the Midwest, as well as enhance the capability of providing
low cost preventive oral health care to the community,” said Schroeder.
As a result of Delta Dental’s awards, DMACC’s
Foundation is launching a Capital Campaign to take
advantage of the challenge grant. Delta Dental will
match all new contributions, dollar-for-dollar up to
the $50,000 total.
“Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation is proud to
support DMACC’s Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting Programs,” said Donn Hutchins, President
and CEO of Delta Dental of Iowa. “Our donation and
the matching challenge grant is a great way for Delta
Dental to invest in the oral health of Iowans, while
insuring needed training for hygienists and dental
assistants.”
There are currently 44 students in DMACC’s oneyear Dental Assistant program and 48 in the two-year
Dental Hygiene program.
“DMACC is committed to preparing students to
meet the demands of the dental health care workforce,”
said Schroeder who noted that with the growing
demand for health care professionals, employment is
nearly guaranteed.
“The Foundation’s support of DMACC ensures
dental hygienists and assistants are being trained
using the latest technology,” said John Kearns, DDS
and member of the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation
Board. “As a dentist, I understand the importance of
having well-trained dental hygienists and assistants
that know the latest dental technology.”
Schroeder said the DMACC Dental Materials
Lab recently experienced a $50,000 facelift. Renovations to the DMACC Dental Clinic are expected to be
completed in May 2010. The DMACC Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting Programs combine academic and clinical course work. These programs
were launched in 1974 on the DMACC Ankeny
Campus where they continue to strive for the highest
educational experiences for students entering the
dental workforce.
DMACC has also recently launched a pre-professional program where aspiring dentists can take undergraduate coursework.
ooo
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Iowa Bystander • Page 4
July 29, 2009
A Little Bit Of This And A Little Bit Of That
Sarah Palin
On July 13, 2009, the news was talking about Sarah Palin’s hairdresser saying that stress is
causing Sarah’s hair to start thinning. She supposedly was stressed behind what was said about
her daughter. When you put yourself in the public eye they think you, your children, or your
whole family are fair game.
How could she fold so completely that she had to resign her position as Governor of Alaska?
McCain picked Palin because he undoubtedly thought the American population wanted a
woman on the Presidential ticket. American’s wanted Hillary Clinton who happened to be a
woman. Sarah Palin comes no where near being a Hillary! She (Palin) wasn’t knowledgeable
enough then and undoubtedly still isn’t knowledgeable enough now to run the United States of
America. The President is under tremendous pressure and stress 24/7 and only Nixon quit when
the going got tough.
Having Russia as your neighbor in no way makes you qualified to handle foreign policy yet
that was part of her answer in an interview.
We know the Republican Party is in need of new blood but she certainly shouldn’t be the
solution. Can you really put your vote behind someone who QUITS in the middle of the stream??
Think about that!
- Nelle-
New School vs. Old School: Review
The Incredible Pizza Company (IPC)
Incredible Pizza Company, a new Family Entertainment Center
located at NW 86th and Douglas in Urbandale, Iowa hosted a Free VIP
Private pre-opening event on July 8, 2009. This event, scheduled to
begin at 4:00 pm, extended arount 16,000 invitations to local residents
and media reporters. The event received such a large turn out that it
actually began around 3:45 pm to accommodate the huge lines that
were forming.
IPC has been in existance for about 30 years, was started by a young
couple Rick and Cheryl Barsness, who started in the pizza business in
Victoria, Texas. As their family and business grew, in 2002
Springfield’s Incredible Pizza Company opened it’s door with overwhelming success. Because of the overwhelming success of the
Springfield location and it’s similar demographics to the Urbandale
area, a year ago, the Barsness’s decided to open an IPC location in
Iowa.
IPC also has an established Foundation that supports local and
global missionaries, children’s home and children in at-risk situations.
The values of the IPC foundation include love and serve God; love
others as we love ourselves; show fairness and give opportunity to each
ministry/organization; always work as a team; and approach change
with excitement and with a teachable spirit. IPC partners include
Emmanuel Ministries, Convoy of Hope, Pregnancy Care Center of
Springfield, Helps International, Rivendale Institute of Learning,
YMCA of Springfield, Boy Scouts of America, Kids Across America
and Victory Trade School.
With the official opening of the Urbandale, Iowa location, on July
9, 2009, there will be 18 IPC’s located in Indiana, Louisiana,
Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee, Texas and Mexico. For more information regarding locations and services visit IPC’s website at
www.incrediblepizza.com.
New School Review: America ’s Incredible Pizza is a great place
to spend time on a summer’s day. They have everything…. Food and
games. I thought that is was very creative for this establishment to have
a 50s and 60s theme. Each dining room was something different. Like
the drive-in where they only play old movies from the 50s and 60s. In
the back is a huge room where all the games are. The theme of the game
room was the Welcome to the Fair.
The buffet had different kinds of food and good pizza. There was
something for everyone. I think that America ’s Incredible Pizza is
going to do great in the coming years and summers.
Old School Review: Incredible Pizza Company is much like Dave
and Buster’s but on a smaller scale. Offers a welcomed alternative to
family entertainment to the Urbandale, Des Moines and other surrounding communities. Though the event was extremely crowded the
staff did a wonderful job regarding crowd control. Each staff member
that I encounterd was pleasant and very professional. As I took time
to chat with several of them, I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Rick
Pogue the Sr. Executive Vice President Operations, who introduced
me to the owner Mr. Rick Barsness. Mr. Barsness and I chatted for a
few minutes, much to my pleasure. After our conversation, I can see
why IPC has been so very successful. Following this interaction I
visited the all you can eat buffet, which included a salad bar, a wide
variety of pizza and other entry type dishes, fruits, and deserts. The
buffet lines moved quickly and the pizza, much to my surprise and
pleasure, was hot. The soda fountain machines, tables that contained
plates, silverware and napkins, were strategically placed as to not
interfere with the customer traffic. The eating areas consisted of
several theme based rooms. My favorite was the Drive-In. A dark area
with a big screen. It is my understanding that the movie changes every
week. Good deal. While the kids play the parents if they want can sit
and relax by watching a movie. Something for everyone. Upon the
completion of my meal I took a tour of the extremely crowded game
room which includes bumper cars, go-carts, miniture golf, bowling
areas and a number of games. Everyone seemed to be having a very
good time. However, in addition to the cost of the buffet, games
require an additional expense that can be paid for by Credit Card, Debit
Card or Incredible card. The Incredible card has an initial cost of 25
cents and can be used over and over and over, has the option to be
registered via IPC’s Website. Once registerd, if lost, you may report
it. It will be replaced along with any points you still have on it, at no
extra cost.
All-in-All I believe that IPC is a welcomed addition to the Urbandale
area and will prove to be an inexpensive alternative for family
entertainment during the hot days of summer and the cold days of
winter in Iowa.
- Integrity Narcisse & Lena -
Report Shows Iowa Minorities Adversely
Impacted By Health System
The Iowa Citizen Action Network (ICAN) released a report
showing that people of color suffer disproportionately under our
nation’s broken health care system.
At a Des Moines news conference, Senator Jack Hatch of Des
Moines, chair of the Health and Human Services budget, pointed
to the report as further evidence of the need for comprehensive
health reform this year. Senator Hatch also chairs a White House
working group of state legislators for health reform.
“This discrimination against our minority communities is too
obvious to ignore any more. Iowa can do better,” said Hatch. “I
will ask our new Health Coverage Commission to begin to make
recommendations to the legislature to eliminate health care disparities in Iowa. The legislature decided to cover all children and
we did; now our task is to eliminate all health care disparities and
we will.”
The report, “Unequal Lives: Health Care Discrimination
Harms Communities of Color in Iowa,” shows that people of
color in Iowa are less likely to be insured than whites, receive far
less preventative care, and experience higher mortality rates.
The Iowa report is available at http://hcfan.3cdn.net/
caccb127368470e933_jwm6id0qu.pdf
Suffer the
little children
to come unto
me and forbid
them not, for
of such is the
kingdom of
God.
--MARK 10:14
1700 Keosauqua Way
Des Moines, IA 50314
515-288-1248
fax: 515-288-1751
e-mail: [email protected]
Retired With Children: More Common Than You Might Think!
By Petula Traywick
Social Security Assistant District Manager in DSM
The idea of someone being “retired with children” may seem like
the seed of another television sit-com or reality show. But the fact is
that it’s becoming more and more common for older people to have
minor children in their care — whether by bringing new children into
the world, taking over the care of grandchildren or adopting children
who need nurturing parents.
So it’s important to know that if you receive Social Security
benefits and have minor children who depend on you, you might be
able to receive benefits for them, too. This is true whether you receive
benefits as a retiree or you receive Social Security disability or
survivors benefits.
To get benefits, a child must have a parent (or in some cases a
grandparent) who:
· is disabled or retired and entitled to Social Security benefits; or
· died after having worked long enough in a job where he or she paid
Social Security taxes.
The child also must be:
· Unmarried; and
· Younger than age18; or
· 18-19 years old and a full-time student (no higher than grade 12);
or
· 18 or older and disabled. (The disability must have started before
age 22.)
Within a family, a child may receive up to one-half of the parent’s
full retirement or disability benefit, or 75 percent of the deceased
parent’s basic Social Security benefit. However, there is a limit to the
amount of money that can be paid to a family. The maximum family
payment can be from 150 to 180 percent of the parent’s full benefit
amount. If the total amount payable to all family members exceeds
this limit, each child’s benefit is reduced proportionately until the
total equals the maximum allowable amount.
For example, if you are retired with a minor child and your benefit
payment is $1,000 a month, your minor child could get up to half of
that each month, or $500. However, if you had two minor children in
your care, the maximum your entire family could receive would be
between $1,500 and $1,800 — that’s $1,000 for you and between
$250 and $400 per child.
Whether you receive Social Security benefits because you have a
disabling condition, due to the death of a spouse or because you’ve
reached retirement, if you have minor children, you’ll want to read
Social Security’s online publication, Benefits for Children at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10085.html.
Donna Douglas Henderson
Licensed Funeral Director
Walt Henderson
Directors Assistant
Psalms 127...For so He giveth His beloved sleep
Page 5 • Iowa Bystander
July 29, 2009
Elpis Fellowship — Weekly Meditation
Spiritual Check Up
Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthian 13:5 (NLT)
“Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus
Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.”
In this passage of scripture we are being asked to examine ourselves. Why are we examining
ourselves? Just like our physical body needs to be examined, we need to examine ourselves spiritually
to see if the power and presence of God is operating in our hearts a life’s, and knowing that we are
growing as a result of it! Paul is urging us to take a closer look at ourselves, carefully scrutinizing
ourselves; being critical of ourselves. Not no one else…but OURSELVES! And he makes it very clear
that is crucial and necessary, as we move forward in our journey!
Many of us may not want to examine ourselves because it means we really have to face “who and
what we are”; but we have to be honest and face the truth. And as we all know… the truth can really
hurt sometimes, which keeps us from examining! We all have things that we wish no one would find
out about us or something that we would like to keep hidden away from the world. Or we dress ourselves
up on the outside, but all the while on the inside, we have unresolved and unaddressed issues which are
tearing apart the very fiber of our souls. And because we have not acknowledged them… to address
them, issues continue to grow, preventing us from getting to the next level of our journey. But if we
are going to be the true Christian God has called us all to be, we must take a look at those things,
acknowledge them and pray to God to either deliver us from that thing or help us through it.
It is easy for us to point out everyone else’s flaws or issues because that way we don’t have to focus
on our own! And we’re quick to let our spiritual brothers and sisters know “what they need to do to
fix their problem or their situations.” We become spiritual Dr. Phil’s. We assess what is going on in
the lives of others and let them know what they need to do to change their situation, and let our own self’s
“go unexamined”! Instead, we need to stop being critical of our brothers and sisters and investigate
ourselves and address the issues that are keeping us from moving closer to God.
Before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, we were here.
Before the pen of Jefferson etched across the pages of
history the majestic words of the Declaration of
Independence, we were here. If the inexpressible cruelties
of slavery could not stop us, the opposition we now face
will surely fail. -- Martin Luther King, Jr.
New Normal: We need to do a daily examination of ourselves, acknowledge our issues, and ask God
to help us through these issues. The issue may not be resolved in a day, a month, or even a year… but
continue to seek the Father (Matthew 6:33) and He will bless you beyond measure.
Michelle Harris • Elpis Fellowship
“Growing Together In The Things Of God”
“Seven Seals” For Your Spiritual Diet
By Carolyn Clinton King C., Th.D
With today’s ‘reality shows’, people are becoming some what ‘reality minded’, the bad news about
this is people are forgetting the morals that they were
taught as a child, the simple commandments “love ye
one another as I have loved you,” “do unto others as
you would have them do unto you”; it’s all changing,
perhaps that is one of the noticeable things about
getting older with each passing day. I had never
heard the term ‘hater’, we all grew up with love in our
hearts for one another, being taught from the Scriptures. It wasn’t until my son-in-law said, ‘are they
hating on you’? I thought what an odd term, but now
I’m hearing it more and more. Let’s continue to love
one another and not the world, 1 John 2:15-17 “Love
not the world, neither the things [that are] in the
world. If any man love the world, the love of the
Father is not in him. For all that [is] in the world, the
lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride
of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And
the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he
that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. “KJV
Christ came that we might have life and that life
more abundant. So, it’s a joy and wonderment to
move forward on a daily basis… sometimes you just
wonder, whatever happen to the ‘simplicity’ in life,
before the ‘internet’; before ‘cell phones’; and like
someone said recently ‘hopscotch’, ‘jacks’, and sitting outside around a small fire, smothered to keep
the mosquitoes away and fresh lemonade. Not to say
‘cell phones’ and the ‘internet’ are all bad. Technology is always improving and making our lives easier.
Like many of you, I’ve gotten so attached to my ‘cell
phone’, I would be feeling a little lost, if I misplaced
it. Another sign of the changing times, J let’s keep
our eyes lifted up to the hills from whence cometh our
help.
Let’s ponder, “THE BOOK WITH SEVEN
SEALS: NONE WORTHY
TO OPEN IT BUT THE
LAMB: HE TAKES IT
AMIDST THE PRAISES OF
THE REDEEMED, AND OF
THE WHOLE HEAVENLY
HOST.” Revelation 5:1-7
“And I saw in the right hand
of him that sat on the throne a
book written within and on the backside, sealed with
seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming
with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book,
and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven,
nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open
the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much,
because no man was found worthy to open and to read
the book, neither to look thereon. And one of the
elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of
the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed
to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and
of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood
a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and
seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent
forth into all the earth. And he came and took the
book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the
throne.” It is understood that the writing on the front
and back implies fullness and completeness, nothing
more needs to be added (Rev. 22:18). Theologians
tell us the roll, or book appears to be “the title-deed
of man’s inheritance” redeemed by Christ, and contains the successive steps by which Christ shall
recover it from its usurper and obtain actual possession of the kingdom already ‘purchased’ for Himself
and His elect saints. The seals are successively
opened and represent all power given to the Lamb. To
be continued…
Email comments to [email protected].
Family life is too
intimate to be preserved
by the spirit of justice. It
can be sustained by a
spirit of love which goes
beyond justice.
-- Reinhold Niebuhr
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
CALL: 287-6428
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FAX 515-287-0430
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Iowa Bystander • Page 6
July 29, 2009
Dean Wright: Continued from page 1
No Air Conditioning?
Stay Cool Indoors With
These Safety Tips
The inside of your home can get hotter than you might think for different
reasons. You might not have air conditioning or your air conditioning might be
broken. Or you might be waging a battle of “save energy, put the thermostat on
75” vs. “I’d like to live in the arctic.” Either way, it can get very hot inside on a
95 degree day. It can get dangerously hot for people who have no air conditioning
or during periods when it just doesn’t cool down overnight. The fact that you are
indoors does not protect you from heat related health problems such as heat
stroke and heat exhaustion. The temperature inside your home can quickly rise
to the temperature outside or higher, but there are things you can do to help cool
down your home without running the AC non-stop.
· Fans should be used to circulate air in a room. If it is above 90 degrees a fan
pointing directly at your body can quickly dehydrate you and put you at risk for
heat stroke or heat exhaustion. If you have an AC turn it to the “fan only” setting
and use ceiling fans to circulate air, this can make it feel 2 to 3 degrees cooler.
Instead of sitting in front of the fan take a cool shower or put cold rags on your
face and neck.
· If it is cool outside, open up windows and doors that have screens. Also open
skylights to let the hot air out.
· Humidity can make a room feel even hotter than it is outside. Try to avoid
using the stove, oven, dishwasher, washer and dryer, and shower from 10:00
a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
· Use awnings to help keep the sunlight out, especially on the south and west
facing sides of the house and keep your shades or curtains closed.
· If you want to plan ahead to keep your house cool, plant trees, shrubs and
plants near your house. These will provide shade and evaporation that will help
keep your house cool.
Lastly, be sure to check on neighbors and relatives that do not have air
conditioning. Call and visit them to make sure that they are comfortable and not
experiencing any heat related problems such as fainting, stomach pain, nausea,
and elevated body temperature. If you have no place to go to escape the heat call
the Polk County Health Department and we can direct you to a cooling center that
will provide some relief from the heat.
Joshua Christian Academy selects first teachers: Story next issue of Bystander
in the close proximity of the basketball
court I was accidentally hit with a basketball that broke my eyeglasses causing
one of the arms to break and push into my
eye. I had been turned down for parole in
January of that year, but because I had
found peace within myself I knew that I
would be released when God felt it was
time for me to leave and didn’t deviate
from my plan of positively changing my
life whenever I got out. After the injury
to my eye I was sent a parole and released
eleven days later. When I was released I
had several constraints that I had to exploit besides the fact that not only was I
on parole from the state of Iowa, but
Ohio as well for a past conviction that I
had never received my release from parole on. I had been diagnosed as having
a detached retina and would need an
operation to have a buckle put on my eye
before I could look for employment or do
any of the things I had so desperately
wanted to begin on my new life.
In October of (1989) I appeared on a
program that would go on to win many
awards because of its content called
“Crackdown on Crime” on NBC channel 13. Two of the men on the panel
would have a profound affect on my life.
Jack Hill was the Outreach Coordinator
for the Treatment Program Powell Three
at Methodist Hospital and along with
Governor Terry Branstad and Wayne
Ford, was Dr. Roy Dean Wright sitting
on the panel facilitated by anchorman
John Bachman. I was in the audience and
asked the first question of the panel about
the affect of drugs on the fragmentation
of the family and the increase of the
prison population because of it. The entire panel gave very good answers, but
Dean Wright gave an answer that summed
up the affect on not only the families, but
expounded on the reason our prison population was exploding so alarmingly because of drugs in an in-depth manner of
not just looking at the problem, but where
we as a society needed to change our
thinking around it that still holds true
today. He never looked at homelessness
as just people living on the street, but the
why in many variations. He astounded
the upper crust of our society when he
released the numbers of children and
families living in the Des Moines area
who were found to be homeless on any
given night. I would later learn that he
was the Chair of the Juvenile/Adult Justice Planning Council and was also on
the Federal Council advising on the disproportionate number of African-American incarceration rates. Months afterwards I was often shown in infomercials
of this award winning program. When
the show was over I met Dean and Jack
Hill.
Encouragement to be the best you can
be can come from an array of different
places most notably our parents. In many
instances it can come from people outside of the norm that we meet on our
journey through life. Jack Hill became as
close to me as any father could be to a
son, giving me guidance not only in assessing the non-profit arena, but in how
to live life on life’s terms through acceptance and effort. My Uncle, My Rabbi,
My Patriot was Dean Wright who taught
me, instructed me, and never refused to
answer any question I ever asked him.
We hear the tremendous story of the
great teacher/instructor he was, but it
will never tell the whole story of the man
who looked at problems, studied the why
and came up with objective solutions
even if it wasn’t along the lines of the
powers that be would like for him to have
come to conclusions on, after they had
appointed him to their various committees, study groups, task forces and panels. I learn to write business plans which
are grants from Dean. I learned to assess
information, do surveys and statistical
analysis and too many numerous things
to mention from this man, but most of all
I learned to accept who I am and believe
in myself that I could accomplish anything and overcome constraints to rise to
the highest levels possible.
There isn’t a non-profit agency in Des
Moines that hasn’t been touched by Dean
Wright from The Port of Entry that he
and a host of community people helped
Jack Hill and I to open on June 6, 1990
exactly (18 months) from the day I walked
out of prison. I was still on parole from
two states when Jack Hill, Dean Wright
and I walked into the office of Tom
Urban Chairman and President of Pioneer Hi-Bred. He gave us an audience
and we received his blessings on funding
for one year of ($62,000). Lujean Cole
Director of Community Relations for
Pioneer facilitated this grant and knew
Dean and Jack, not me, but because of
them I was able to get in to meet people
that helped expedite the agency that is
still a mainstay today with a former client running it. As Founder and Executive
Director I gave an Award out each year
in honor of the spirit of this man, called
the (R. Dean Wright Award for Community Service). Agencies such as the Salvation Army, Bernie Lorenz, Proteus,
Iowa Homeless Youth Shelter and Spectrum Resources just to name a few have
been touched by this man who couldn’t
say no to the betterment of mankind. We
honor Ms. Susan Wright a scholar in her
own right, wife and mother to their son
Aren. She did what most wives do in
trying to protect their husband. Dean
was always inundated with request for
his valuable knowledgeable comprehension in how to deal with the most daunting human miseries imaginable because
with that knowledge he really cared.
Susan could never shield Dean from the
onslaught of the many requests that he
would receive. Even in his sickness, there
wasn’t a power on earth that could keep
him or deter him from not trying to serve
his fellowman in every capacity he could
muster.
I met Jerald Brantley Founder and
CEO of Spectrum Resources who was
also a mentee of Dean’s and was sent to
me by Dean to give him knowledge to
assist him to make his dream a reality. Of
all the assistance, teaching, instructions
that he gave so many people as Jerald and
I, he only asked one thing of us and that
was to give what he had so freely given to
us to others. My motto became and still
is that in anyway I can help someone else
be better than me is the greatest reward
and gift I can give my fellowman. He
also taught me about success in the human effort, just because I did good things,
not to expect that the world would love
me or give me accolades because the
accolade I would receive would be one
that someone else didn’t get and could
very well cause resentment. I started
writing the “Wake-Up-Everybody” column because of his encouragement and
have been doing so periodically for twenty
years. There are books to be completed
and published with such titles as “The
Truth Factors, Perceptions from the
Looking Glass of Life,” “I am, I Can,” it
all began those many years ago through
the guidance and direction of this remarkable kind man. I relapsed and refunded my misery to myself by my
choices and he never judged me. I would
read a quote in a newspaper such as the
San Antonio Express when I was out
there trying to runaway from myself with
the use of drugs and I would call him
from Texas or wherever to discuss it with
him and as my mother did, he always
prayed for my salvation and wanted the
best for me in those troubled times.
Its been almost a year since Dean left
us in body and I’ve waited to write this to
commemorate this man who is still here
in spirit and within the hearts, minds and
work of so many he touched through his
generous giving of himself. Thank you
Dean for all you’ve given us and to Ms.
Wright, Aren, the grandchildren, thank
you for sharing him with us and we honor
him each time we reach out to assist
someone less fortunate because that’s
what he would want us to do.
July 29, 2009
Ft. Des Moines Receives Wal-Mart Contribution
Wal-Mart Market 519, which is comprised of 12 stores based in Southwest Iowa, awarded the Fort Des Moines Museum
and Education Center $7,500 to support programming for the Women’s Leadership Initiative. Programs included are the
Metamorphosis Mentorship group, and the D-Day Commemoration of the 65th Anniversary, featuring speaker Charlotte
Barrett, a member of the Women’s Army Corp. Ms. Barrett told her story of D-Day, where she was assigned to Allied Central
Command. The funding also supported all Women’s History Month events.
“Region 519 Wal-Mart stores and managers continue to demonstrate the company’s commitment to community giving
that supports diversity, education, and community. “ stated Adrienne Windley, director o f development and marketing for
Fort Des Moines Museum. Windley continued, “We are grateful beyond measure for the support of the Region #519 Team
as we continue to educate the community about the “hidden gem” that is right her in Des Moines, Iowa.”
The Fort Des Moines Museum honors the U.S. Army’s first officer candidate class for African American men in 1917,
and the establishment of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corp (WAACs) in 1942.
The museum is located at 75 E. Army Post Rd. in Des Moi9nes, and is open Mon. - Sat. from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Pictured in front row of photo from left to right: Sherrill Wiley, Wal-Mart Regional Human Resources Manager;
Adrienne Windley, Fort Des Moines Museum Director of Development and Marketing; Brian Mueller, Wal-Mart Market
#519 Manager; Joe Nolte, Fort Des Moines Museum Executive Director. Remaining rows: Market #519 Team from
Southwest Iowa Region.
Page 7 • Iowa Bystander
Iowa Bystander • Page 8
July 29, 2009
Six-On-Six Review
By Bryne Berry
“Six-on-Six” is a lively, informative-if not slightly flawed-portrayal of the fascinating- yet sexist practice-of six-on-six girls’ basketball that Iowa defiantly called its own; outlasting 49 other states who
had long since banned the practice.
We are introduced to Gloria Levelle (Megan Walz), named by her
mother after the staunch feminist Gloria Steinem, as the Michigan
transplant to the Edmund High Eaglettes. Through the hilarious tune,
“Six-on-Six,” Gloria is rudely awakened to the needlessly stringent
and chauvinistic game that prevents the girls from dribbling more than
twice lest their “inherently weak” arms get tired.
We are also introduced to the star of Edmund and Iowa’s previous
Golden Girl, Jolynn Hanrahan (Alexis Van Vleet), who is on track to
be the highest scorer in girls’ basketball of all time. Both Jolynn and
Gloria get caught up in the whirlwind of high school sports, unexpected fame and infamy, and a lawsuit that could decide the fate of the
very game they play.
“Six-on-Six” is aided by great performances from a wonderful cast
and catchy and perceptive songs. I enjoyed Act I, bolstered by intuitive
songs such as “Six-on-Six,” “One of those Women” “A Little Bit of
Heaven” and an introduction of great ensembles of characters: the
Basketball Association of Girls in Iowa was a hoot, the marital
problems of the lawyer couple-Counselors Singleton and Green,
(Sandy Henry, Ed McAtee) - endearing, and the orations of the proudly
feminist mother, Loretta Levelle (Gina Gedler), glorious. I believed
each character and in their conviction for and against this bizarre
game.
I did appreciate how the playwright and lyrist, Robert John Ford,
was able to display both sides of the argument so gently-how it wasn’t
so much politics as providing the girls an opportunity to merely have
fun-that by the end, I too was a little sad to see it go.
However, lugging on at almost 3 hours, by Act II- as my father put
it mildly- the play felt more like “eight-on-eight.” While the acting and
music were great, it seems that the playwright fell into the perfunctory
clichés of musicals. Catchy expository number? Check. Unrequited
love ballad? Check.
One of things that bothered my father and I was the final announce-
ment by Association President, Sam Koffman, telling the crowd that
they had just witnessed their last six-on-six basketball game. While it
should have been followed by a song that was both elegiac and
poignant enough to say goodbye to this rich tradition, it was instead
followed by the cast singing a slower rendition of the “Edmund School
Song.” It not only seemed inappropriate, but also a little pretentious
given the fact that they were just announced as the last team ever to win
the six-on-six championships.
Even if it was just the intro to “Gone Forevermore,” it seemed out
of place. In an analogy I told my father, it would be like announcing
Mississippi was ending Jim Crow and then singing “Song of the
South” just for the heck of it. It serves no purpose but to augment your
own stature. The music director should have instead slowed down
“Six-on-Six” or eliminated the intro all together, given the fact that it
was the game, not the team, that was leaving.
But I digress. “Six-on-Six” taught us that you should follow the
dreams you set for yourself, not those set or lived vicariously by others.
Girls’ basketball in Iowa should be remembered not only by its
inequity but by the magic engendered by supportive fans and the skill
of those fine players, honored in this enlightening musical.
Dear Bystander:
Des Moines’ population may soon be adding a new verb to their
vocabulary—’geek.’ Des Moines is part of just two communities in
the United States to take part in ‘Geek The Library,’ a public
awareness campaign funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
‘Geek the Library’ is a community-based public awareness campaign designed to highlight the vital role of public libraries and bring
attention to the critical issues they face. As the economic downturn
continues, more Americans than ever before are turning to local
libraries for entertainment, for educational opportunities and to
search for jobs. However, as usage is increasing, support is decreasing. Consequently,
· Libraries across the country are cutting hours, staff and even
closing locations.
· Most libraries report that they don’t have enough Internet access
computers to keep up with demand and waiting lines are commonplace.
· Many libraries are understaffed and are unable to provide the
support users need to find and utilize resources to improve their lives.
· Thus, increased community support is urgently needed to ensure
that the library remains strong for everyone.
‘Geek the Library’ introduces ‘geek’ as a verb, and encourages the
public to talk about what they ‘geek’—whether it’s engineering,
superheroes or art. The campaign illustrates that everyone is passionate about something—everyone ‘geeks’ something—and that the
library supports them all. The hope is to start a conversation to inspire
more people to take personal responsibility for keeping their local
public libraries vital in their communities.
OCLC, a non-profit library cooperative supporting ‘Geek The
Library,’ is working with local library leaders to pilot the public
awareness campaign exclusively in parts of Georgia and in central
Iowa. We’d like to offer you the opportunity to interview ‘Geek the
Library’ spokesperson Cathy De Rosa, or a local Des Moines librarian, in order to further understand and promote the important facts
that will help your community learn how to support their neighborhood library. Encourage your community to be part of the solution. To
learn more, visit the campaign’s web site at www.geekthelibrary.org.
Rachel Handler
Iowa Bystander Mission
The responsibility of the Black press is to empower the Black
community through meaningful communication and leadership
nurturing, and to keep the Black community informed of those
issues most vital to us as a people.
Iowa Bystander
President, CEO & Publisher • Jerald Brantley, Sr.
Associate Publisher • Gaynelle Narcisse
“Communicate to Educate”
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Bystander unless otherwise specified at the time of submission.
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and the relevance of the photo.
Finally, all submitted copy or photos should contain a phone
number and the name of the contact person who can be reached if
questions arise.
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July 29, 2009
Page 9 • Iowa Bystander
Something To Think About: B.O.O.B. Support
Now that I have your attention, BOOBs, stands for “Black
Owned and Operated Businesses.” After reading the June 3, 2009
issue of the Iowa Bystander “From Nick’s StreetCorner Light”
column, I was inspired for this weeks STTA column. I agree with
Nick. I often have the same question regarding why other diverse
groups are successful as business owners and why Blacks, who have
been in Des Moines, Iowa, in some aspects, longer than the Hispanic
and Asian population, are not. Meaning that as business owners,
our culture just can’t quite get a grip on wealth, which is the ultimate
goal of operating and owning our own businesses. Don’t get me
wrong. We have Black Businesses in Des Moines, but how long do
they stay in business? You may say that it takes money to start a
business. True. However, there are many grants and Small Business
resources out there, specifically designed to help to start new
businesses. So, what’s the real problem? In my opinion, there are
three basic problems that prevent “BOOBs” from being successful.
The first basic problem has to do with lack of support. We as a
community do not support Black owned businesses, regularly.
When I was taking a marketing class in college, years ago, (I can’t
remember the exact percentage), the success of a business depends
on something like 80% repeat business and 20% on new business.
Which I think is the key difference between the success of Hispanic
and Asian businesses vs. Black businesses. You see, the Hispanic
and Asian consumers DO support Hispanic and Asian owned and
operated businesses. Often times, we as Black consumers go to a
Black business only once, mostly when it first opens (this includes
nightclubs). And when we do, instead of going there with a positive
supportive mindset, we criticize it.
The prices are too high! I can’t find anything that I like! It’s too
far away!. Maybe like Nick said, the styles in the stores are too
trendy, not enough size variety , not conservative enough for daily
wear. Or like Nick said again, regarding the Hallmark envelopes
and cards, that the expectation for quality commitment is sometimes
lacking. So we look, complain to our family and friends, but never
express our concerns to the business owner. Instead we just never
go back.
The second reason is that when we go into a Black Owned and
Operated business, we expect to get a discount. WHAT’S UP WITH
THAT?! IT’S A SMALL BUSINESS PEOPLE! When they buy
they pay more for their products because they don’t buy in bulk, like
Wal-mart. So the price they charge, which rightfully so includes a
profit margin, will be higher. Otherwise, what would be the purpose
of having the business?
Well, back to Nick and his Hallmark card problem. He asked for
a discount. Did he ask for the clerk to check in back to see if there
were envelopes in stock that would fit the cards he wanted to buy for
the price indicated on the purchase? I think not or he would have
shared that bit of information with us, the Iowa Bystander readers.
Another take on this discount thing, I had a need for a tailor a
week or so ago and I remembered that Henderson’s who owns the
funeral home had a tailoring business, but I couldn’t find it. Well,
I called Henderson’s funeral home to inquire about the tailoring
business to find out that it had closed a month ago. And at the time
of the closure was located in Jordan Creek, not on Hickman.
WHAT! (Even though Henderson’s tailoring business to my knowledge, had been in business for 5 years or so, this would have been
my first time going to them for service. I assumed that they would
still be there).
The third reason, the one that gets me the most is this, to often the
owner of the store puts inferior products in the store, the store is not
clean let alone neat, the stock is old, or near the expiration dates
AND they still expect Black consumers to buy their products just
because we are Black! Not a good practice, that is, if you plan to
STAY in business. You see, we work hard for our money. Quality
is VERY important to us and we expect to get the biggest bang for
our buck. Just like I’m sure that the business owner expects to be
paid for their mechandise.
Before I go on I had an investment account with Edward Jones,
with a Black Financial Advisor, located in Clive, they too moved out
to Jordan Creek and most of his customers, were not ethnic. So, why
is it that Black owned Businesses can’t make it in Black Areas?
When I spoke to Mr. Henderson, he told me that people would
come into his store on Hickman expecting …..yep …. a discount! I
just don’t get it. When we go to Wal-mart, get up to the check out
do you say to the cashier….Uh, can I get a discount? No. You pay
what is printed on the price tag. I have so much more to say on this
subject, but now is not the time. So let me close by saying if you are
troubled by the lack of Black businesses, do your part to help them
succeed. Seek them out and patronize them, regularly and often.
Including the Iowa Bystander. If you own a business, advertise with
the Iowa Bystander. If you have good news to share, send it to the
Iowa Bystander, which is a submission community based publication that reaches not only local but cross country readers.
If you patronize a Black owned and operated business and can’t
find anything you like, let the owner know! If the quality of the
merchandise is sub-standard, let the owner know! And every time
you go shopping, make a point to put these stores on your regular list
of where to shop.
You see criticizing the success of Hispanic and Asian owned and
operated businesses won’t improve the wealth or success of Black
owned and operated businesses. However, we as the consumer can!
WE NEED TO SUPPORT all types of businessess, especially
“Black Owned and Operated Businesses.” AND Black Owned and
Operated Business owners need to invest in advertisement, put
money back into the business as to maintain quaility, provide
customers with a way to express their opinion about the quality of
the products and services provided…..in other words …. put a little
work and money back into making the business successful. And
where applicable, share the knowlegdge regarding how to run a
business with others. As a customer, if we don’t support our
“BOOBs,” but notice that Hispanic and Asian owned and operated
businesses are popping up everywhere….
All I have to say is Don’t Hate The Player
…Hate The Game!
Cornerstone Family Church
3114 SW 61st Street
Des Moines, IA 50321
Phone: 515-243-2852
Business Office
Monday – Friday, 8:30-4:40
Church Office 515-243-2852 ext 75
Our Purpose
Helping ALL people find and live their
lives for Christ, bridging ethnic, cultural
and denominational lines.
Sundays
Worship at 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.
Sunday School 9:30 a.m.
Youth Elevate 9:30 a.m.
Pastors Dan &
Real Life – Ministry for Singles 18-29
Anne Berry
Each Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
Transportation to Sunday worship services at 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.
Wednesdays
Bible Study: 7:00 p.m.
SpiritLife 7:00 p.m.
One Youth 7:00 p.m.
Saturdays
Worship at 6:00 p.m.
Merge – Ministry for Singles over 30
2nd Saturday of each month 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Radio Ministry
Fri. 11:30 a.m. & Sun. 7:30 a.m. on Praise 940 AM
Website: www.cornerstonefamilychurch.org
Playhouse Sets New Record
With “The Life And Times Of
The Thunderbolt Kid”
The Des Moines Playhouse has a new attendance champion: “The
Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid” is the number one non-musical
in the theatre’s 90-year history. Over the course of the show’s three week
June run, 6551 people visited the theatre, for a total attendance of 99.5%
of capacity.
”The Thunderbolt Kid” was also, financially, the top-selling nonmusical in Playhouse history, with $146,096 in ticket sales. The show is
the fourth overall, financially, behind “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story”
(2008-09 season), “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” (2003-04 season),
and the top-selling, “Disney’s High School Musical” ($200,481 during
the 2006-07 season).
”The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid” comes at the close of
a popular and critically successful 2008-09 season. Sell-outs and virtual
sell-outs this past year include “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story,” “Junie
B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business,” “Willy Wonka,” and “Little
House on the Prairie.”
”The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid” had its world stage
debut at The Playhouse, June 12-28. Adapted by John Viars from the
international bestseller of the same name by Bill Bryson, the cast of 33
brought to life a story of growing up in Des Moines in the 1950s and
1960s.
John Viars, Playhouse executive director, and the show’s adapter and
director, said, “‘The Thunderbolt Kid’ was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that presented challenges and rewards unlike any we’ve had
before, for staff, audiences, and volunteers.”
”The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid” was sponsored by Farm
Bureau Financial Services.
Iowa Bystander
Church Directory
...how are they to hear
without a preacher?
Romans 10:14
Burns United Methodist Church
Address: 811 Crocker Street • DSM, IA 50309
Phone: Church 515-244-5883
Pastor: Pastor: Rev. Dr. Willy L. Mafuta
Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 a.m.
Sunday School: 9:45 a.m.
Wednesday Bible Study: 12:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Maple Street Missionary Baptist Church
Address: 1552 E. Maple Street • DSM, IA 50316
Phone: 515-262-1931
Pastor: Rev. Keith A. Ratliff, Sr.
Sunday Morning Worship: 8:00 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.
Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.
Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 p.m.
Free Medical Clinic: 1st, 3rd & 5th Tuesdays - 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church
Address: 1338-9th Street • DSM, IA 50314
Phone: 515-280-9163
Pastor: Rev. Bobby Young
Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 a.m.
Sunday Church School: 9:30 a.m.
Tuesday Bible Study at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday Prayer Meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Philadelphia SDA Church
Address: 1639 Garfield Avenue • DSM, IA 50316
Phone: 515-262-7467
Pastor: Rev. Marlon T. Perkins, Sr.
Sabbath (Saturday) Morning Worship: 11:00 a.m.
Sabbath (Saturday) Church School: 9:30 a.m.
Wednesday Prayer Meeting Service: 6:30 p.m.
Sunday Radio Ministry: 9:00 a.m., Praise 940 AM
Union Missionary Baptist Church
Address: E.Univ. & McCormick • DSM, IA 50316
Phone: 262-1785
Pastor: Rev. Dr. Henry I. Thomas
Sunday Morning Worship: 8:00 a.m., 10:40 a.m.
Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.
Wednesday: Prayer and Bible Study: 7:00 p.m.
...how shall they preach,
except they be sent?
Romans 10:15
To get your church in our directory call Jon at 515-770-1218!
Iowa Bystander • Page 10
July 29, 2009
Culver Didn’t Keep His Word!
Few leading Iowa Democrats will admit it publicly, but Governor Culver is in deep trouble. If
something doesn’t change, and soon, he could be the
first incumbent Iowa Governor ousted from office
since Norman Erbe lost to Harold Hughes in 1962.
A litany of woes afflicts Governor Culver. Most
notably, he has had issues with issues.
• Iowans have seen little to no progress on key
front-and-center concerns such as climate change,
labor law, campaign finance and the regulation of
corporate hog confinements, to name a few.
• Right or wrong, there’s a broad perception that
flood recovery efforts and the budget crisis have
been mismanaged by the Governor’s office.
• Iowa’s economy continues to struggle – a
situation somewhat beyond the Governor’s control,
but depending upon his response, one that inevitably affects his popularity.
Governor Culver’s problems are reflected in a
recent SurveyUSA poll that found his overall approval rating a dismal 42%. Among that all-important block of voters known as “independents,” it
was 35%. (By comparison, Senator Grassley scored
a 58% overall approval rating, with 59% approval
among independent voters, and Iowans gave President Obama a 57% approval rating, 50% among
independent voters.)
Yet the Governor has another problem, a deeper
problem, one that is frequently overlooked. While
Culver may be out of favor with the vast majority of
independent voters, even among Democrats, his
approval rating is only 62%. That’s indicative of a
profound dissatisfaction within Culver’s base.
Candidates – even incumbents – rarely prevail if
their base is not with them.
Culver seems to have forgotten the all-important
maxim “dance with the one that brought you.” A
disturbing number of Party activists have told me
they’ve been snubbed by the Governor, as have
many elected officials. While failing to maintain
good relations with one’s political base is always a
bad idea, snubbing one’s base in advance of reelection is a recipe for political suicide.
I encourage other disgruntled Democrats to share
their stories. Sometimes, it’s cathartic, even necessary, to air one’s dirty laundry. In a nutshell, my
story is this:
After a series of meetings in July of 2006, Culver
promised me that, as governor, he would advocate
for campaign finance reform and support legislation
to control urban sprawl. After nearly two-and-ahalf years of mostly unreturned phone calls and of
trying to build a working rapport with him and his
staff, I finally shared my discontent publicly this
past April.
What was the Governor’s response? He or his
staff could have called. They could have addressed
Corinthian Baptist Church
9th & Freeway
the substance of my dissatisfaction. But instead of
offering to dance, Culver’s staff chose to publicly
deride my concerns.
Some conventional political strategists argue
that cultivating one’s base isn’t that important.
They argue, in this case, that even if Democrats are
deeply dissatisfied with Culver they’ll still vote for
him. Those strategists may want to spend more time
hob-knobbing with the rank-and-file, who tell me
they may not vote for a Republican, but unless
something changes, they don’t plan to vote for
Culver either.
And what happens on Election Day is contingent
upon the strength of a candidate’s organization
leading up to Election Day. In 2006, I spoke on
behalf of Culver at numerous events. I raised money
for him. I actively encouraged everyone I spoke
with to vote for him.
This time around, unless something changes,
that’s not going to happen.
Like so many other disgruntled Iowa Democrats,
I’m tired of being asked to be a campaign foot
soldier only to be ignored – and to have the issues I
care about ignored – once the election is over.
Governor Culver needs to turn over a new leaf.
He needs to demand that his staff be more responsive. He needs to follow-through on the issues he
promised to address. He needs to stop stepping on so
many toes.
And he needs to dance with those of us who
helped bring him to Terrace Hill. Otherwise, the
next Iowan calling the tunes at the Governor’s
Office could well be a Republican.
Ed Fallon
Moore: Continued from page 1
With over 22 years of experience working within
the neighborhood structure, I am very well equipped
with the knowledge of how the system works. I
fully understand that each and every neighborhood
has its own specific needs. I will work hard for the
neighborhoods and will always keep in mind that I
work for the citizens; they don’t work for me.
Small Business
Small business is the backbone of our community. I’m very troubled by the amount of storefronts
that are vacant in Des Moines. For every small
business that closes, there will be an average of at
least 10 – 15 people out of work. This disrupts our
entire local economy and feeds into the domino
effect that causes more small businesses to fail.
I feel that the city of Des Moines would be able
to help turn the tide with a “buy local” campaign
that would encourage our citizens to shop within
the city limits.
Additionally, the city of Des Moines and the
mobile merchants are continually struggling with
each other. It is possible that the city of Des Moines
could become partners with these merchants and
establish an economic stimulus program to help
train and then place them into vacant storefronts.
This would be a win-win situation for everyone.
The possibility at least merits some study.
Please contact Mitch Henry or Skip Moore at
729-2926 or email at [email protected] for
additional information.
e
e
Corinthian
r
F
Health
Clinic
Skip Moore’s Bio:
• Elected to the Logan Community Citizen
Service Task Force and the Des Moines Action
Board in 1988
• Chair of the Logan Citizens Task Force
from 1990 – 1996
• Chair of the East University Beautification
Committee from 1991 - 1994
• Spokesperson for the Second Police Citizens
Academy in 1993
• Appointed to the Flood Housing Consortium
from 1993 – 1994
• Chair of the Des Moines Action Board from
1994 – 1996
• Charter Member and Chair of Northeast
Neighbors from 2005 – 2006
• Member of the Municipal Arborists
Association
• Charter Member of the Iowa Arborists
Association
• Member of the Midwestern Chapter of the
International Association of Arboriculture
• Member of the International Association of
Arboriculture
• Vice-Chair of the City of Des Moines
Supervisory, Professional and Management
Board
• Union Affiliation: Municipal Laborers
Local 353
• Elected President of the Iowa Street Rod
and Custom Association from 2007 – 2009
3rd Tuesday of Every Month
4:00 to 6:30 p.m.
Immunizations
Physical Assessments
Diabetes Education/ Support Sessions
6:00 - 7:30pm
* diabetes resources
* counseling
* Literature/supplies
Co-Sponsored by:
Blank Children’s Hospital
Iowa Department of Public Health
Corinthian Baptist Church
Free Clinics of Iowa
For further information
phone 243-4073
Iowa Department of Transportation FY2010 DBE Goal
To comply with 49 CFR part 26.45, the Iowa Department of Transportation
establishes its overall Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal based on
the availability of ready, willing, and able DBEs, within Iowa, relative to the
availability of all ready, willing, and able businesses within the same industry
(hereafter, this proportion is referred to as “the relative availability of DBEs”).
Establishing the overall DBE goal involves two primary steps:
1. Determining a base figure for the relative availability of DBEs.
2. Examining evidence in the state to determine what adjustments, if any, are
necessary to the base figure to arrive at the overall goal.
The Iowa Department of Transportation is using the same methodology to
determine our FY 2010 DBE Goal that was utilized for our FY 2009 DBE Goal.
Based on this methodology, the Iowa Department of Transportation has set the
following DBE participation goals:
4.60% for Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funds
0.00% for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funds
0.03% for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds
The proposed goal and the rationale upon which it is based on will be available for
public inspection during normal business hours at the Iowa Department of
Transportation’s Office of Contracts for thirty days following the first date of this
public official notice. The Iowa Department of Transportation and the U.S. DOT
will accept comments about the goals for 45 days from the first date of this public
notification. The following addresses will be provided to the public for inspecting
information and mailing comments:
Address of the Iowa Department of Transportation, Office of Contracts (for
inspection and comments):
Office of Contracts, Iowa DOT
800 Lincoln Way
Ames, Iowa 50010
Phone 515-239-1422
E-mail: dot.contracts.dot.iowa.gov
Website: www.dot.state.ia.us
Address of the U.S. DOT (for comments):
Federal Highway Administration
105 Sixth Street
Ames, Iowa 50010
Phone 515-233-7300
July 29, 2009
Page 11 • Iowa Bystander
American Cancer Society Awards College
Scholarship To Local Cancer Survivor
The American Cancer Society is pleased to
announce central Iowa students, Aaron Koethe of
Urbandale, Daniel Patton of Altoona, Murphy
Stanley of Clive and Nadia Torkzadeh of Waukee
are recipients of a college scholarship for the 2009
academic year. These four students are among forty
cancer survivors from Iowa, Minnesota, South
Dakota and Wisconsin awarded $1,000 scholarship by the American Cancer Society.
“The scholarship is very much appreciated and
will help pay my tuition,” said Koethe. “I am very
grateful to the American Cancer Society for the
assistance they give to all cancer patients.”
The American Cancer Society’s youth scholarship program enables young cancer survivors to
demonstrate the academic and social accomplishments they have made in spite of their illness. In
addition to overcoming the disease, many cancer
survivors and their families must also overcome the
financial burden of obtaining a college education –
the youth scholarship program gives them an opportunity to pursue a degree by covering some of
the cost. Similar to other scholarships, the recipients were chosen based on their commitment to
academic or vocational goals, current financial
need, leadership ability, and community service.
To be eligible to receive a scholarship from the
American Cancer Society, applicants were required
to meet the following criteria:
· Diagnosed with cancer before the age of 21 and
are currently under the age of 25.
· Be a legal resident of Iowa, Minnesota, South
Dakota or Wisconsin for at least a year.
· Accepted to attend an accredited two to four
year university or vocational/technical school.
· Completed the application process including
an essay describing the impact cancer has had on
their life and how it will affect their future.
The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As
a global grassroots force of more than three million
volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened
by every cancer in every community. We save lives
by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or
detecting it early; helping people get well by being
there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis;
by finding cures through investment in
groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by
rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer
and by rallying communities worldwide to join the
fight. As the nation’s largest non-governmental
investor in cancer research, contributing more than
$3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer
into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million
people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating
birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get
help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-2272345 or visit cancer.org.
Latham Condemns Government Takeover Of Health Care
Iowa Congressman Tom Latham denounced the
Washington takeover of health care proposed by
House Democrats and called instead for a responsible approach to health care reform efforts that
expands access to quality health coverage for Americans without breaking the federal budget.
Douglas Elmendorf, director of the nonpartisan
Congressional Budget Office, reported to Congress
the troubling finding that the current health care
proposal from House Democrats would not rein in
the spiraling costs of government health programs,
as promised by Democratic leadership in Congress,
but rather would increase costs.
Elmendorf’s devastating analysis of the House
Democrats’ health care overhaul proposal topples
the assertion made by the bill’s backers that the
legislation could curb massive increases in federal
spending on health care.
“Quality health care ought to be available and
affordable for every American, but the ideas proposed by House Democrats can lead only to a
massive expansion of government control that will
cost the taxpayers dearly,” Congressman Latham
said. “On the other hand, I’ve proposed and have
worked for legislation that puts patients and their
health first without forcing small businesses and
families to pay the costs of health care for the entire
country. My legislation is based on the guiding
principles of competition, choice, ownership and
individual control – some of the most crucial principles that define our country. Health care reform
will touch the lives of every single American, and
we can’t afford a policy based on a partisan ideology that silences the voices of the middle class.”
Congressman Latham noted his objections to a
range of provisions in the Democratic proposal and
has introduced his own common-sense health care
legislation in the past two Congresses as a starting
point to comprehensive health care reform that
provides long-term solutions.
The Democratic plan would create a governmentrun insurance option to compete with private insurers, a proposal that health care experts predict will
force millions of Americans who are currently happy
with their private insurance into the public option.
The plan also would impose an additional payroll
tax of up to 8 percent on small businesses that don’t
provide coverage for their employees.
Congressman Latham’s plan, titled the “Health
Care Security for All Americans Act of 2009,”
honors patients’ freedom to choose their doctors
and contains no provision to empower government
bureaucrats to make personal medical decisions for
citizens. His legislation also recognizes that small
businesses form the backbone of the economy.
Latham’s bill would allow small businesses to pool
together across state lines to negotiate with private
insurance companies for lower premiums.
“The evidence is piling up against the massive
and misguided attempt at reform proposed by House
Democrats,” Congressman Latham said. “This bill
would force Americans to become reliant on the
federal government for their health care and put
Washington bureaucrats between you and your doctor to ration or even deny treatments without your
say. I’ve worked for fiscally responsible legislation
that will expand the availability of affordable health
insurance while protecting America’s workers and
small businesses from an absolute and costly government takeover of health care.”
Iowa Bystander • Page 12
July 29, 2009
JOSHUA
CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
The Education Braintrust’s Homework Empowerment Camp!
Not advertising is like a wink in the dark!!!!!!
Get noticed in the Iowa Bystander…………
Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd & 3rd
Located at the Maple Street Baptist Church
1552 Maple Street - Des Moines, IA 50316
515-468-5674/(515-GOT-JOSH)
COMING IN SEPTEMBER 2009